The Azores’ westernmost islands, Flores and Corvo, feel like the edge of the world. Lying nearly 2,000 kilometers from the nearest continent, these remote Atlantic gems combine raw natural beauty with a resilient human spirit forged by isolation and storms. Visiting here is stepping into a landscape both paradisiacal and untamed, where weather and light change in minutes, and every view seems almost unreal.
Start on Flores, a lush island of 143 square kilometers, smaller than most visitors expect. Even outside the blooming season, its scenery is postcard-perfect: vibrant pastures, volcanic peaks, cedar groves, and dramatic cliffs. The Rocha dos Bordões, a basalt column formation over 570,000 years old, is a must-see, as are the seven volcanic crater lakes—Rasa, Funda, Branca, Lomba, Negra, Comprida, and Seca—each unique. The highlight is Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, a cascade of waterfalls plunging 200 meters into a valley below, accessible by a short, rugged trail from Fajã Grande. The nearby Aldeia da Cuada offers a glimpse of restored traditional homes, with cobbled streets and black stone walls preserved in tribute to past generations.
Flores’ culinary scene reflects both land and sea. While fish and seafood dominate the coast, meat remains central to the diet. Villa Maresía in Fajã Grande serves freshly caught fish with views of natural volcanic pools, while in Santa Cruz, the capital, O Mergulhador specializes in grilled meats and O Moreão offers fresh seafood straight from the ocean. Local dishes like stews, baked peppers, and dairy-rich specialties provide a taste of Azorean tradition.
Exploring Flores is best done at leisure. With more viewpoints than traffic lights, the island invites stops to admire the ocean, volcanic landscapes, and microclimates where clouds can appear suddenly, offering a different perspective every hour. Historic churches, like the basalt Nossa Senhora do Rosário in Lajes das Flores, add a spiritual dimension, reflecting the islanders’ centuries-long adaptation to isolation.
From Flores, take the journey to Corvo, the smallest and most remote inhabited island of the archipelago, just 17 square kilometers with fewer than 500 residents. Accessible only by regional flight or boat, Corvo is a lesson in community resilience. Its streets, tightly knit houses, and defensive layouts speak to a past of pirates and survival at sea. The Caldeirão, a deep volcanic crater with a central lagoon, is Corvo’s crown jewel. Nine small islets within the crater are traditionally linked to the other islands of the Azores, offering a symbolic glimpse of the archipelago in miniature. Visibility here is fleeting; a rare clear moment unveils a panorama that feels like both the end and beginning of the world.
Life on Corvo is simple yet rich in connection. Residents can trace family roots back generations, and local storytelling preserves shipwrecks and community history, like the 1942 disaster of the Senhora das Vitórias. Modern amenities are limited—shopping or medical care often requires travel—but the island’s tranquility, closeness to nature, and unique experiences reward those willing to stay overnight.
Visiting Flores and Corvo requires flexibility: flights and ferries are subject to weather, and sudden Atlantic storms can change plans in minutes. Yet it is precisely this untamed character that makes these islands extraordinary. Whether exploring cascading waterfalls, basalt churches, or volcanic craters, travelers will encounter a landscape of staggering beauty and communities shaped by centuries of resilience. For those seeking remote natural splendor, Flores and Corvo offer a rare chance to experience Europe’s wild edge—where nature dominates, and every day feels both challenging and magical.